Lion Brand Heartland Thick & Quick Cocoon Cape

Lion Brand Heartland Thick & Quick Cocoon Cape

Project Details

Level:intermediate

Time:4 hours

Project Instructions

1

Use a gauge of 11 sts + 15 rows (4 inch) in Texture pattern to knit a cape that measures about 54-1/2 (56-1/2, 58-1/2) inch in Finished Bust and about 30- 1/2 (31, 31) inch in Finished Length. Be sure to check your gauge. When you match the gauge in a pattern, your project will be the size specified in the pattern and the materials specified in the pattern will be sufficient. If it takes you less stitches to make a 4 inch square, try using a smaller size needle; if it takes you more stitches, try a larger size needle. Pattern and supplies are written for smallest size (S/M) with changes for larger sizes (L/1X, 2X/3X) in parentheses. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow a pattern more easily, circle all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning. You will need 6 skeins of yarn to make this cape in sizes S/M; 7 skeins of yarn to make this cape in sizes L/1X; and 8 skeins of yarn to make this cape in sizes 2X/3X. Download template for abbreviations not explained elsewhere.
Special stitches and techniques:
skp = Slip 1 as if to knit, knit 1, pass slip stitch over knit stitch - 1 st decreased.
sk2p = Slip 1 as if to knit, knit 2 together, pass slipped stitch over - 2 sts decreased.
Sloped Bind Off = On the row prior to the bind-off, sl the last st (wyib on RS, wyif on WS). Then on the bind-off row, sl the first 2 sts to right hand needle and using tip of left hand needle, sl the 2nd st over the first st for the first bound-off st, then bind off all following sts as usual.
Sloped Cast On = On the row prior to the cast-on row, sl the last st (wyif on WS, wyib on RS). Then at beg of next row, cast on the required number of sts using Cable Cast On.
Cable Cast On = Make a slip knot on left needle. Knit 1 st through slip knot, but do not drop slip knot from left needle; transfer new st from right needle to left needle - 2 sts on left needle. *Insert right needle between first 2 sts on left needle; wrap yarn and pull through (as if knitting a st); transfer new st to left needle. Repeat from * for desired number of sts.
Texture Pattern (worked over an odd number of sts) = Note: The Texture pattern is essentially 3 rows of Seed st followed by 3 rows of K1, p1 rib. Row 1 (WS): P1, *k1, p1; rep from * to end of row. Rows 2 and 3: P the knit sts and k the purl sts. Row 4: K1, *p1, k1; rep from * to end of row. Rows 5 and 6: K the knit sts and p the purl sts. Rep Rows 1-6 for Texture pattern.
Notes:
Lower band for back is worked first in ribbing. Then sts are picked up along one long edge of the band, to work the Cape.
Sts are picked up on completed Cape to work front bands.
Front bands are joined to the Cape as they are worked.
Cape design uses a number of refined techniques, including Sloped Bind Off and Cast On. These techniques may be new to you, but are easy to do! Simply read the instructions carefully before beginning and as you work.
A circular needle is used to accommodate the large number of sts. Work back and forth in rows on circular needle as if working with straight needles.
With yarn in front (wyif) refers to the side of the work facing you as you work the row; with yarn in back (wyib) refers to the side of the work that is away from you as you work the row. To move yarn from front to back or back to front, bring yarn between needles. Take care not to wrap yarn over a needle, this could create an additional st.

2

Lower Band:
With straight needles, cast on 9 sts.
Row 1 (RS): *K1, p1; rep from * to last st, sl 1 wyib.
Row 2: P1, *k1, p1; rep from * to end of row.
Rep Rows 1 and 2 until piece measures about 18-1/2 (21, 23-1/2) inch from beg, end with a Row 1 as the last row you work. Slip these sts to a holder, but do not cut yarn.

3

Beg Body:
Note: In the following rows, all cast on sts should be worked using the Sloped Cast On explained at the beg of this pattern. Re-read those techniques before beginning the following sections, then keep careful track of which row will precede the sloped rows  and don't forget to sl the last st of those preceding rows!

4

With size 15 (10 mm) circular needle and working across long side (top), pick up and k47 (53, 59) sts evenly spaced across Lower Band.
Row 1 (WS): Work Row 1 of Texture pattern.
Note: Because the next row begs with a Sloped Cast On, be sure to sl the last st of Row 1 wyif.
Row 2: Cast on 3 sts. Working cast-on sts into Texture pattern, work next row of Texture pattern to end of row (remembering to sl the last st of each row)  50 (56, 62) sts.
Rows 3-13: Rep Row 2, working inc sts into Texture pattern  83 (89, 95) sts at the end of Row 13.
Row 14: Cast on 2 sts. Working cast-on sts into Texture pattern, work next row of Texture pattern to end of row  85 (91, 97) sts.
Rows 15-35: Rep Row 14, working inc sts into Texture pattern  127 (133, 139) sts at the end of Row 35.
Row 36: Cast on 1 st, work Texture pattern across  128 (134, 140) sts.
Rows 37-41: Rep Row 36  133 (139, 145) sts at the end of Row 41. Place a marker at each end of Row 41 for front bands. Work even (without increasing or decreasing) in Texture pattern for 4 (6, 6) more rows, piece should measure about 12-1/2 (13, 13) inch above lower band.

5

Divide for Armholes:
Right Front: Row 1 (RS): Work in Texture pattern over first 26 (28, 30) sts for right front (remembering to sl the last st wyib), sl rem 107 (111, 115) sts to a holder for back and left front.
Row 2: Cast on 4 sts for trim, (p1, k1) twice over trim sts, work in Texture pattern to end of row  30 (32, 34) sts.
Row 3: Work in Texture pattern to last 4 sts, (p1, k1) twice.
Row 4: (P1, k1) twice, work in Texture pattern to end of row.
Rows 5-22: Rep Rows 3 and 4.
Sl the 30 (32, 34) right front sts to a holder. Cut yarn.

6

Back:
Row 1 (RS): Working in the back of the trim sts on right front (by simply folding the edge back and inserting your needle through the WS of the sts), pick up and k4 sts across right front trim sts, work in Texture pattern as established across 81 (83, 85) back sts from holder, leave rem 26 (28, 30) sts on holder for left front  85 (87, 89) sts.
Row 2: Cast on 4 sts for trim, (p1, k1) twice over trim sts, work in Texture pattern to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice over trim sts  89 (91, 93).
Row 3: (K1, p1) twice, work in Texture pattern to last 4 sts, (p1, k1) twice.
Row 4: (P1, k1) twice, work in Texture pattern to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice.
Rows 5-22: Rep last 2 rows 9 more times.
Place the 89 (91, 93) back sts on a holder.
Cut yarn.

7

Left Front:
Row 1 (RS): From RS and working in the front of the trim sts, pick up and k4 sts in the front of the final back trim sts, work in Texture pattern as established across 26 (28, 30) left front sts from holder  30 (32, 34) sts.
Row 2: Work in Texture pattern to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice over trim sts.
Row 3: (K1, p1) twice, work in Texture pattern to end of row.
Row 4: Work in Texture pattern to last 4 sts, (k1, p1) twice.
Rows 5-22: Rep last 2 rows 9 more times.
Place the 30 (32, 34) left front sts on a holder.
Cut yarn.

8

Rejoin Arm Openings:
Joining Row (RS): With size 15 (10 mm) circular needle, work in Texture pattern over right front sts from holder to the 4 trim sts. Sl 4 trim sts of right front and right back to separate double pointed needles. Hold right front trim sts in front of back trim sts, with sts matching, *(k next right front trim st tog with next right back trim st) twice, bind off 1 st; rep from * until all 4 sts of both sets of trim are bound off, work in Texture pattern over back sts to next 4 trim sts. Sl 4 trim sts of left back and left front to separate double pointed needles. Hold left front trim sts in front of left back trim sts, **(k next left front trim st tog with next left back trim st) twice, bind off 1 st; rep from ** until all 4 sts of both sets of trim are bound off, work in Texture pattern across rem left front sts  133 (139, 145) sts.
Next Row (WS): Work in Texture pattern over first 34 (36, 38) sts, place marker (pm), work in Texture pattern over next 65 (67, 69) sts, pm, work in Texture pattern to end of row.
Note: Sl markers as you come to them. Work even in Texture pattern for 0 (4, 4) rows. Note: When you see '0' repeats in an instruction, this means that you should not perform that particular instruction for your specific size. Instead just skip to the next part of the instruction.
Decrease Row (RS): Work in Texture pattern to 4 sts before first marker, sk2p, p1, slip marker (sm), k3tog, continue in Texture pattern to 3 sts before next marker, sk2p, sm, p1, k3tog, continue in pattern to end of row  125 (131, 137) sts.
Next 5 Rows: Work in Texture pattern as established to end of row.
Next Row: Rep Decrease Row  117 (123, 129) sts.
Rep last 6 rows  109 (115, 121) sts.
Next 3 Rows: Work in Texture pattern as established across row.
Note: Take a moment to 'read' your work  taking note of how the sts appear  before proceeding. This will help you determine which decrease to use in the following section.
Next Row: Rep Decrease Row, working a p3tog instead of an sk2p if necessary to preserve the pattern  101 (107, 113) sts.
Rep last 4 rows 1 (1, 2) more times  93 (99, 97) sts. Note: Because the next row begs with a Sloped Bind Off, be sure to sl the last st of your last row with wyib.

9

Shape Neck:
Note: In the following rows, the bind off sts should be worked using the special sloped technique explained at the beg of this pattern. Re-read that technique before beginning the following section, then keep careful track of which row will precede the sloped rows  and don't forget to sl the last st of those preceding rows!
Next 2 Rows: Bind off 7 (7, 6) sts, work in Texture pattern as established to end of row (remembering to sl the last st of each row)  79 (85, 85) sts.
Next Row: Bind off 4 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to end of row  75 (81, 81) sts.
Note: In following rows, when instructed to "decrease 2 sts", work sk2p, k3tog, p3tog, or p3tog tbl as needed to maintain the pattern.
Next Row: Bind off 4 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to 4 sts before first marker, decrease 2 sts, work 1 st in pattern, sm, decrease 2 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to 3 sts before next marker, decrease 2 sts, sm, work 1 st in pattern, decrease 2 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to end of row  63 (69, 69) sts.
Next 2 Rows: Bind off 3 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to end of row  57 (63, 63) sts.
Next Row: Bind off 2 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to end of row  55 (61, 61) sts.
Next Row: Bind off 2 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to 4 sts before first marker, decrease 2 sts, work 1 st in pattern, sm, decrease 2 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to 3 sts before next marker, decrease 2 sts, sm, work 1 st in pattern, decrease 2 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to end of row  45 (51, 51) sts.
Next Row: Bind off 2 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to end of row  43 (49, 49) sts.
Next Row: Bind off 2 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to 4 sts before first marker, decrease 2 sts, work 1 st in pattern, sm, decrease 2 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to 3 sts before next marker, decrease 2 sts, sm, work 1 st in pattern, decrease 2 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to end of row  33 (39, 39) sts.
Next Row: Work in Texture pattern as established to end of row.
Next Row: Work in Texture pattern as established to 4 sts before first marker, decrease 2 sts, work 1 st in pattern, sm, decrease 2 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to 3 sts before next marker decrease 2 sts, sm, work 1 st in pattern, decrease 2 sts, work in Texture pattern as established to end of row  25 (31, 31) sts.
Place rem sts on a holder.

10

Right Front Band:
Notes: The front bands are worked by picking up sts along the front edge of the Cape with a circular needle, and working these sts together with the sts of the lower band.
Sts along front edge of Cape are picked up in two separate sections.
To work the front bands you will use one straight needle and a circular needle. Work back and forth in rows as if working on straight needles.

11

With size 13 (9 mm) circular needle, pick up and k30 (32, 32) sts evenly spaced along right front edge from lower band to marker. Cut yarn and sl sts to other end of needle. Sl 9 sts of lower band onto straight needle ready to work a WS row.
Row 1 (WS): With circular needle, and working across 9 sts of lower front band, sl 1 wyif, (k1, p1) 4 times.
Row 2 (RS): With straight needle, (k1, p1) 4 times across sts of lower front band, skp (knitting tog the last lower front band st and 1 picked up st), turn. Rep last 2 rows until all picked up sts have been worked from circular needle and 9 sts rem on straight needle.
From RS with size 13 (9 mm) circular needle, pick up and k24 sts evenly spaced across right front edge between marker and neck edge. Cut yarn. Sl sts to other end of needle.
Rep Rows 1 and 2 until all sts have been worked from circular needle and 9 sts rem on straight needle. Place these 9 sts on a holder.

12

Left Front Band:
From RS with size 13 (9 mm) circular needle, pick up and k30 (32, 32) sts evenly spaced across left front edge between marker and Lower Band, pick up and k9 sts across cast-on edge of Lower Band.
Row 1 (WS): With straight needle, (p1, k1) 4 times, p2tog (working tog the last left front band st and 1 picked up st), turn.
Row 2 (RS): Sl 1 wyib, (p1, k1) 4 times.
Rep Rows 1 and 2 until all sts have been worked from circular needle and 9 sts rem on straight needle.
Cut yarn. From RS with size 13 (9 mm) circular needle, pick up and k24 sts evenly spaced across left front edge from neck edge to marker, working across left front sts on straight needle, sl 1 wyib, (p1, k1) 4 times.
Rep Rows 1 and 2 until all sts have been worked from circular needle and 9 sts rem on straight needle.
Place these 9 sts on a holder.

13

Neckband:
From RS with size 11 (8 mm) circular needle, work in K1, p1 rib as established across right front band sts from holder, pick up and k 23 sts evenly spaced across right neck edge, work in K1, p1 rib across the 25 (31, 31) back neck sts on holder, pick up and k 23 sts evenly spaced across left neck edge, work in K1, p1 rib as established across left front band sts from holder  89 (95, 95) sts.
Row 1 (WS): Work in K1, p1 rib as established.
Row 2 (Decrease Row): Work in K1, p1 rib as established over first 9 sts, (work in K1, p1 rib as established over next 9 sts, sk2p) twice, (work in K1, p1 rib over next 3 (5, 5) sts, sk2p) 3 times, work in K1, p1 rib over next 5 sts, (sk2p, work in K1, p1 rib over next 9 sts) twice, work in K1, p1 rib over last 9 sts  75 (81, 81) sts.
Work even in K1, p1 rib for 4 inch.
Bind off.

14

Finishing:
If any spaces remain at base of either armhole opening, sew closed. With sewing needle and thread, sew 3 snap halves to left front as follows: one at base of neckband, close to opening edge; one about 4 inch in along base of neckband; and the last directly above the second, but at upper edge of neckband. Sew remaining snap halves to WS of right front, spaced to correspond to snaps on left front.
Weave in ends.